Practising certificate fees for 2026/27 and 2027/28 have been confirmed at £861 and £883, representing a 3.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent rise, for each year respectively.

Bringing the proposed fees for two practice years to this year’s SGM has meant mean that, from 2027 onwards, Law Society members will know the practising certificate fee more than 12 months ahead of implementation. This reflects feedback from members who have said that information about practice costs further in advance would make it easier to plan, budget and manage their businesses.

Law Society of Scotland vice president John Mulholland, who chaired the online meeting, highlighted that through careful cost control and financial planning, including prudent use of reserves over the next two years, the society was able to bring forward inflationary increases only, which represented the lowest percentage rises in the practising certificate fee for four years.

He said: “We know the practising certificate fee is part of the cost of doing business, and we do not take any increase lightly. It’s why our starting point when considering the fee is making sure we keep it as low as we feasibly can.

“The society and profession are currently at a point of considerable change. The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 is bringing significant new responsibilities for the society, including major changes to the way complaints are handled and creation of a new system of firm-level regulation. The Act will also bring the society within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act in respect of its regulatory functions for the first time.

“These changes are substantial and will require additional resources, including specialist staff, new processes and supporting systems to ensure we are fit for the way the profession operates today and in the future.

“Approval of the fees for the next two years ensures we will be equipped for all of the changes ahead, as well as being able to fulfil existing responsibilities as a regulator to protect the public and safeguard the reputation of our profession. It will also ensure we continue to be an effective voice for solicitors on important, high-profile issues such as criminal justice reform, legal aid and the rule of law, in addition to enhancing our provision of tailored, high quality support and services that offer value to our members.”